Monday, November 21, 2011

The Happy Song Project

In the car this morning, Ben asked me to put some music on. He wanted a "happy song." I asked him to clarify. He did.

"Don't play that sad music that made you all sleepy last night. Remember? You didn't want to get out of the car."

Someone's not a Pink Floyd fan. That's cool. I guess Ben doesn't appreciate his mom saying she is going to stay in her warm Grand Caravan forever because she is "comfortably numb." (Did get out of the car- had to drink a lot of caffeine to wake up again, and no- absolutely no illegal drugs were involved. I'm a little offended you asked.)

So, this morning I put my Greatest Hits from the 80's CD into the slot and played the happiest song in the whole world (this is not up for debate): Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves.

It's the perfect Monday morning song.

Ben started listing other "happy songs," which include "Twist and Shout," "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," and "Jingle Bells." As he listed his favorites, I had an idea, and blah blah blah: The Holly Goes Lightly Happy Song Project was born! On Monday mornings, I will bring my favorite ear candy to the blogosphere. This accomplishes two things: 1. It makes sure I publish at least one blog post a week and 2. I can't think of a second thing. I'm sure there is one, though.

The rules for "The Happy Song Project" are as follows:

1. Songs should have either "positive messages," like those After School Specials they showed on TV in the eighties and early nineties, nonsensical fun lyrics, or should just be plain fluffy.

2. Songs should not be in a predominantly minor key. (Exceptions include "Happy Together" by the Turtles and "And I Love Her," by The Beatles.)

3. "Manic Monday" by The Bangles is disallowed. So is any song by The Black Eyed Peas.

Requests gladly accepted.

This week's "happy song" was selected in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy the dulcet tones of Ms. Natalie Merchant. And happy Monday!